80-Year-Old Veteran Drives Ride-Share to Cover Medical Bills

Richard Hoppin, a former Marine, works 5 days a week to pay for his and his wife's mounting health expenses.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:05am

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An 80-year-old veteran in the Phoenix area, Richard Hoppin, has turned to ride-share driving to cover the mounting medical expenses for himself and his wife, who both face serious health challenges. Hoppin, a former Marine who served in Vietnam, spends five days a week driving passengers around the Valley, often logging six to eight rides a day, to earn the extra income needed to stay afloat financially.

Why it matters

This story highlights the financial struggles faced by many older Americans, especially veterans and retirees, who are forced to continue working to cover their medical bills. It also shines a light on the growing trend of gig economy jobs being used as a lifeline for those with limited retirement savings or rising healthcare costs.

The details

Hoppin first turned to ride-share driving after realizing that staying home in retirement wasn't for him. He now spends five days a week driving passengers, often logging six to eight rides per day. The extra income he earns through driving has become essential, as both Hoppin and his wife, Catherine, are facing significant health challenges. Catherine is battling lung cancer and has undergone expensive radiation treatments, while Hoppin is living with multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. Despite their health struggles, the couple is described by neighbors as positive and upbeat.

  • Hoppin first started driving for a ride-share company after retiring.
  • Catherine recently underwent radiation treatment, which cost around $50,000.
  • Hoppin plans to continue driving for as long as his health allows, with hopes of staying on the road for several more years.

The players

Richard Hoppin

An 80-year-old veteran and former Marine who served in Vietnam. He is currently driving for a ride-share company to cover mounting medical expenses for himself and his wife.

Catherine Hoppin

Richard Hoppin's wife, who is battling lung cancer and has undergone expensive radiation treatments.

Michael Long

A longtime neighbor of the Hoppins who has launched a fundraiser to help ease the couple's financial burden.

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What they’re saying

“As after I retired, sitting at home isn't the thing. If you want to die, just sit at home. I thought I'd do something very constructive. And they need a ride, so I give them a ride.”

— Richard Hoppin, Veteran and Ride-Share Driver

“That extra money that he makes really keeps us into where we are. Otherwise, we'd probably be, I don't know. Maybe we'd be homeless. I don't know.”

— Catherine Hoppin, Richard Hoppin's Wife

“It breaks my heart to see him drive, to make ends meet.”

— Michael Long, Neighbor

What’s next

Michael Long has launched a fundraiser to help ease the Hoppins' financial burden, and he said the fundraiser is just the beginning of efforts to support the couple.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing challenge of older Americans, especially veterans and retirees, who are forced to continue working in the gig economy to cover their rising medical expenses. It underscores the need for more comprehensive healthcare and retirement support systems to ensure that our nation's seniors can live with dignity and financial security.